Q Factor: New assistant coach Robert Campbell has not only helped to lure players from his old club Redcliffe, the former Russian international joins a multi-cultural cast. Liam Tallon represented Ireland in the 2000 World Cup, while prospective signing Chris Bond played for Papua New Guinea just last month. Another rumoured recruit, Ailaoa Chong Nee, lived for an extended time in the Philippines.

Q Factor: Olzard boasts experience with St George Illawarra, Wests Tigers, South Sydney and Redcliffe. In a freak accident he ruptured his medial, cruciate and lateral ligaments, snapped his hamstring and tore his calf muscle from the bone while tackling Shannon Hegarty last Anzac Day.

CENTRAL ? Negotiations still in progress.

Q Factor: The Comets have been buoyed by the re-signing of veteran back Heath Egglestone. One of the longest serving players in the competition, Egglestone needs just one more try to become the first individual to score 100 in the Queensland Cup.

Q Factor: Tigers signing Brandon Costin was described by Huddersfield coach Jon Sharp as the best Giants player ``in 40 years?? in a newspaper recently. As pleased as Easts is with its recruits, the club is also happy to report Dane Campbell, Charlie Tonga, Dallas McIlwain, Trent Young and Isaac Kaufmann have found homes with NRL clubs. Jason Barsley is also rumoured to have had talks with a national team.

Q Factor: Forward Steele Retchless returns to Australia after a record 200 games with the London Broncos. He was voted Player of the Year by the Super League club this season. Although Retchless previously featured for the Brisbane Broncos and South Queensland Crushers, he never played first grade with Ipswich coach Trevor Gillmeister.

Q Factor: While the progress of premiership and award-winning half Brent McConnell will be followed eagerly by most Queensland Cup fans, plenty of interest should be invested in their younger crop. For the intriguing story of teenager Michael Fairweather ? originally from Katherine, Northern Territory ? check www.qrl.com.au

Q Factor: After knee injury ruined his 2003 season, Aaron Morgan reunites with former Wests coach Wayne Treleaven, who has taken the reins at Bishop Park. Despite playing just two NRL games for the Cowboys, Morgan is fortunate enough to feature in the opening sequence to the popular video game `Rugby League?, developed by Sidhe.

Q Factor ? Aside from using his contacts at Souths Logan and Central to help build the Dolphins? roster, new coach Anthony Griffin has also looked to the country leagues. Forwards Matt Mapes and Nathan Herbener both played with premiership-winning teams in 2004, playing in the Sunshine Coast and Roma competitions respectively. Mapes and Herbener were also representatives for Wide Bay and South West Divisions.

Q Factor ? Born in Mackay, but raised in South Australia, forward Brenton Lawrence comes to Souths Logan as a former Australian Schoolboy representative. He played for the 2002 Schoolboys alongside Ashton Sims, Tom Learoyd and Heath L?Estrange.

Q Factor: Before trying his luck at Penrith last season Aaron Barba scored 61 tries in two seasons for Redcliffe, not including lower grade appearances. He boasts the highest strike-rate of any player in the Queensland Cup, counting those that have scored 50 tries or more.

Q Factor: The tug-of-war for the signature of Burleigh?s premiership prop Adam Cook Watene has been made interesting by Tweed?s acquisition of three fellow countrymen. Just as interesting will be the recruitment of Jay McDermott, a former South Queensland Crushers player who pursued a career in professional golf.

Q Factor ? Much speculation accompanied Wynnum?s off-season activities, however the Seagulls have confirmed just five signings, all quality players. Although 2004 Sunstate Player of the Year Jace Van Dijk joins the club, chief executive Mark Rockley says new coach Neil Wharton is his prized recruit. Wharton already has three Queensland Cup premierships to his name.